Why does my 2004 focus not charge the battery?

My wife’s 2004 Focus has a problem with the charging system. The alternator checks out fine and the battery is good. The problem is the car runs off the battery when running and the alternator isn’t recharging the battery. Is there something in line between the alternator and battery that’s causing the problem?

Why did my Ford Focus catch on fire?

Ford Focus models built between June 1998 and March 1999 might have alternator problems. There was a possibility that the alternators could develop a short circuit, overheat and cause a fire. Some cars built between September and November 1998 might have had problems with their door latches.

Why are my electrical connections on my Ford Focus so bad?

Due to the fact these consisted of all flat connectors, they would work loose and/or start to wobble over time. This created a poor electrical connection due to a poor mechanical connection. As the connection deteriorated, it wobbled to the point where the connections would start to arc.

What should the battery voltage be on a Ford Focus?

The red wire should be battery voltage with the key on engine off. The gray wire should present 9 volts and the blue wire 0 volts with KOEO (key on/ignition off). If the problem still comes and goes when pushing on the plug, the alternator likely has internal damaged, in which case you’ll need to replace the alternator.

Why is my Ford Focus not charging properly?

GOT THIS FOCUS COMING IN NEXT WEEK WITH CHARGING PROBLEM ITS ON ITS SECOND ALTERNATOR BUT STILL SAME PROBLEM WARNING LIGHT ON. WIRING HAS BEEN CHECKED THE 3 THIN WIRES FROM ALTERNATOR AND HAS BEEN TO MAIN DEALER WHO SAID THE ECU MAY BE FAULTY CAN SOME ONE HELP

Where is the Charger wire on a Ford Focus?

Is this a petrol or diesel. If its a diesel, the wires can rub through the metal bracket next to the alternator. You should have 12 volts on the small red wire to the multi plug on the alternator, and earth on the black wire. The blue wire is the dash light wire.

Why does my Ford Focus battery keep going out?

New battery and alternator but still get battery light on occasionaly. Puts out 13.7 volts when light is on. 6 months later… This is a common fault, the wiring loom flaps about at the front and over time the wire which goes into the alternator tends to snap.

Is there a way to charge a Ford Focus?

I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A TOOL TO CHECK THE CHARGING OF THESE CARS WITH THE SMART CHARGING SYSTEM WHITCH PLUGS IN TO THE THEE PIN PLUG OF THE ALTERNATOR CAN SOME ONE TELL ME WHERE I CAN BUY ONE PLEASE duno how it would do that, as the alternator defaults when the plug is removed!

Why is my Ford F-150 not charging?

Please try again later. On many Fords the alternator has a ‘smart charge system’ that regulates the output of the alternator to ensure the battery is being charged efficiently, reducing emissions and improving performance. So let’s come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he diagnoses this F-150 that came in with a no charge condition.

What does the Ford Smart Charge system do?

This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. On many Fords the alternator has a ‘smart charge system’ that regulates the output of the alternator to ensure the battery is being charged efficiently, reducing emissions and improving performance.

What should I do if my alternator is not charging?

The alternator normally lasts longer than the battery. There are some easy steps you can go through to check the function of your alternator. Tap the alternator carefully with a hammer while the engine is runnin; if the charging goes back to normal, the coals inside it are worn out.

Is the alternator at the heart of the charging system?

Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology. The alternator is at the heart of the charging system of your vehicle. Alternator problems and charging system problems can affect your vehicle in different ways.

How does a Ford alternator charge a battery?

Ford utilise what is termed a ‘smart charge’ system. With a conventional charging system the battery is charged at a voltage that is determined by the voltage regulator, with all the electrical load being drawn from the alternator fed battery.

Why did my Ford Focus ZX3 battery fail?

Ford focus 2006 zx3 alternator and battery failed. new alternator and battery wont charge system. Ford focus 2006 zx3 alternator and battery failed. new alternator and battery wont charge system. – Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic

Why is my focus alternator not charging battery?

You yank the back cover and study the diode solder points close, you will almost always have at least one cracked and often more if still using that type diode plate and the alt is giving trouble. Some of the cracks can be very hard to see, the evidence though shows in the charging, they will appear to charge fine but it comes and goes.

What to do if your Ford Focus alternator is bad?

If you’re trying to figure out how to test an alternator, symptoms of a bad battery, bad alternator sound, signs of alternator issues, the symptoms of a bad alternator, alternator price or just general information on car alternators or starter motors, we will help you resolve your Ford Focus alternator problems.

Why is my alternator not charging the battery?

The problem is the car runs off the battery when running and the alternator isn’t recharging the battery. Is there something in line between the alternator and battery that’s causing the problem? There’s a fusible link on some between battery and alternator, but that would need continuity for the alt. to test good if it was tested IN the car.

Is there a fuse between Alt and battery?

Harbor Freight will occasionally have their voltmeter on sale for less than $2.00 there IS a fuse between the alternator and the battery!!!!!! There is conductivity between alt and battery post. so that is not the problem, dead alternator. fun trip home. “jump” about 30min… drive… “jump” for about 40min… drive… did get home though.

Why does the battery light come on after the alternator is replaced?

This would make the Battery Light come on. It is also possible that there is a problem with the fusible link or the alternator fuse for the charging system.

What to do if your alternator is not charging?

Use a DMM (Digital Multi-Meter, about $12.00 at harbor freight)and make sure that there is continuity from the battery to the starter and then to the alternator. If there is not, replace the battery cable. This being said, I totally agree with Alex about the alternator pigtail connector. The ECU (PCM)regulates the voltage output to the battery.

Why do my headlights dim when I Turn on the alternator?

So i have been having issues with my headlights and interior cabin lights dimming when electrics such as windscreen heating was turned on, I assumed it was my battery on its way out as I’d only installed a new Alternator 6 months ago.

Can you change the battery light on a Ford Focus?

Had mine change and totally different car, runs quicker, no turbo lag, start quicker and much smoother, have you got obd2 and forscan will bring up code or try the in car code check ot sure how to doit but google will tell you i imagine i take that on board when checking glad you did not have a fire not nice

This would make the Battery Light come on. It is also possible that there is a problem with the fusible link or the alternator fuse for the charging system.

When to check the voltage of the alternator?

When investigating a flat battery or other potential issue you should always check the voltage with the engine running to make sure the alternator output is charging the battery sufficiently otherwise your only guessing the battery is at fault – as you found out the fault was elsewhere.

How to stop battery drain in Ford Focus?

Here is more information/steps to help out https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/amp5859/how-to-stop-car-battery-drains/ the problem you might have with leaving the door closed is the fuse box, unless your a contortionist getting in the window, down in to the footwell, upside down. might be a challenge!

What’s the battery voltage on a Ford Focus?

Been fine for months. Recently fitted dash cam and been having trouble with DRLs staying on so unplugged the dash cam to start with and measured the battery. 12.8v, 2 hours later: 12.2v Unplugged DRLs and about to take another reading. A few things spring to mind.

How can I find out if my Ford battery is dead?

Here’s a test to use with a Ford vehicle. If you’ve suffered a dead battery and both the battery and charging systems check out, it’s time to perform a parasitic drain test. The test involves hooking an ammeter in series with the negative battery cable to measure the amperage draw. Professional technicians use a clamp on ammeter.

Why is the battery draining on my Ford Focus?

A fairly inexpensive replacement module will fix that when the weather warms up! My main worry at the moment is this battery drain and what is causing it. The DRLs being on are only a symptom I think. Something is allowing power to the headlights (though not enough to light them) when the car is off.

Is the focus battery still a silver calcium battery?

Decided to pull the battery to charge externally and test over time to see if it loses power. Man was that a sod to get out. Would have been easier if I could have removed the airbox but it didnt want to budge… Turns out it has a great big Pb sticker on the side – is this still a Silver Calcium battery ?

What does Smart Charge system on Ford F-150 do?

On many Fords the alternator has a ‘smart charge system’ that regulates the output of the alternator to ensure the battery is being charged efficiently, reducing emissions and improving performance. So let’s come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he diagnoses this F-150 that came in with a no charge condition.

When did the first Ford Focus come out?

In this article, we consider the first-generation Ford Focus, produced from 2000 to 2007. Here you will find fuse box diagrams of Ford Focus 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, get information about the location of the fuse panels inside the car, and learn about the assignment of each fuse (fuse layout) and relay.

How many fuses are in a Ford Focus?

Engine compartment № Amp Rating Description 1 40 Main power supply to electrical system 2 30 Engine cooling fan (A/C) 2nd fuse 3 — Not used 4 — Not used

Where is the voltage sensing wire on a focus?

The ECU (PCM)regulates the voltage output to the battery. The connector has 3 wires. The middle one is blue and is called the voltage sensing wire. It goes to pin # 72 on the ECU (on a Zetec equipped Focus for sure).

Keep in mind, with the charging system warning on the dash, there is a direct tie between the two components. Combine that with frequency and rough electrical pulses, and you have the cause of the odd behavior. While a helper watches the dash, reach behind the engine on the passenger side, and wiggle and twist the alternator connector.

Are there any problems with the Ford Focus?

Instructor, Ohio Technical College, Cleveland, OH Every vehicle has it fans and its detractors, and every vehicle has its strong points and weak points. While the Ford Focus is no exception, it does soldier on and remains a popular vehicle. That means it will likely come into your shop with its own set of problems.

Do you need to replace plugs on Ford Focus?

Ford calls this a wiggle test, and it is still as good now as it was when it was named. If the dash now behaves properly or gets worse while wiggling, you have found the culprit. However, in many cases, you don’t need to replace the plug and connectors.

Why does my Ford Focus not start up?

The charging system converts mechanical energy into electrical energy that recharges the battery. Most defects in the charging system are a result of a faulty alternator. The battery provides your Focus with its start-up power. If the battery is losing its charge, the first thing to inspect would be its electrolyte level.

What to do if your Ford Focus loses charge?

The battery provides your Focus with its start-up power. If the battery is losing its charge, the first thing to inspect would be its electrolyte level. Next, see if the alternator’s drive belt needs an adjustment. Then inspect the terminal cables for any wear or corrosion. If all seems fine, you should proceed with inspecting the alternator.

What should the Charger reading be on a Ford Focus?

There may also be a problem with the charging system’s circuit. One way to test the charging system and the alternator is to perform an on-car test. Test the battery first with a voltmeter with the engine off–the reading should be 12 volts. Test it again with the engine on–the reading should be between 13.5 and 14.6 volts.

Why does my 2016 Ford Focus not start?

Battery died, jumped it and took it to get 2016 Ford Focus. Battery died, jumped it and took it to get a new battery. Replaced battery, lights and everything powered on but car wont start. Turn key … read more My car will not start. Just makes a clicking noise. First My car will not start. Just makes a clicking noise.

Why does Ford use a controlled charging system?

CHARGING SYSTEM The Ford PCM (Powertrain Control Module) controlled charging system that is used on many of its vehicles from 1999 up to the present has many benefits. First and most important is improved battery life. This is because the PCM can calculate battery temperature and adjust the charging system voltage based on that temperature,

When does the alternator light turn on the battery?

On older vehicles, the battery light would turn on the alternator light when the alternator output or battery voltage dropped below a preset value. The battery light on modern vehicles, however, is controlled by data and trouble codes. This is why a scan tool is essential to diagnosing a charging system.

Why does the voltage of an alternator vary?

Depending on ambient temperature, charging voltage varies. The actual charging voltage designed into a voltage regulator is dependent upon factors such as how far the alternator is located from the battery and the ambient air temperature surrounding the battery as calculated by the PCM.

Why does my 2004 focus not charge the battery?